Cells and Organisms

“Nothing in biology makes sense, except in the light of evolution” – T. Dobzhansky. From the relationships among species in a forest to the interactions of molecules in a cell, evolution is ultimately responsible. One might be tempted to view Dobzhansky’s quote as indicating that evolution is one key that unlocks the complexity of biology. That view is supported by statements such as “survival of the fittest,” which oversimplify the complexity of evolution. Instead, Evolution at Multiple Scales views evolution as the elaborate set of interconnected concepts it is. Although Darwin published On the Origin of Species over 150 years ago, evolutionary biology continues to be augmented, as new discoveries are driven by new technologies. By evaluating evolutionary concepts in a broad range of biological scenarios, students deepen their understanding of evolution itself, shedding light on the diversity of life it has produced. This course qualifies as part of the Interdisciplinary Minor in Sustainability because it addresses biodiversity. NS112 focuses on the evolutionary processes producing biodiversity, and also addresses the benefits of biodiversity to humans, the consequences of biodiversity loss, and strategies to maintain it.

Investigate how biological traits are determined. Examine how genetic and environmental influences are translated through cellular and developmental mechanisms to determine the properties of cells, organisms, and species. Apply concepts and approaches from genetics, developmental biology, and computational biology to fundamental questions, including how to determine disease risk and how gene expression is finely coordinated and tuned. Explore the ethical and societal implications of genetics research and applications, including the impact on human health and behavior. NOTE: In addition to the listed prerequisites, the following courses are recommended prior to taking this course: CS130

Investigate biological systems from the cellular and molecular levels of analysis. Learn how the physical and chemical properties of molecular interactions within and between cells give rise to the emergent properties of life. Apply the principles of organic chemistry to understand the reactions that structure and power living systems. Explore key questions about cellular functions of diverse organisms ranging from plants and animals to microbes. Learn about experimental techniques that inform our understanding of cellular function and molecular interactions—including microscopy, x-ray diffraction, stable-isotope probing, enzyme activity assays—and apply them to current research questions.

Explore cutting-edge solutions to difficult problems in human health. Learn the process by which drugs are discovered and designed, how stem cells are engineered to form tissues, and how genes can be engineered for a multitude of purposes. Analyze how to determine what solutions can be applied to what problems and how to communicate advances in biotechnology to expert and public audiences. NOTE: In addition to the listed prerequisites, the following courses are recommended prior to taking this course: NS113, NS144, NS154, CS130